1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.

2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.

3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.

Thanks for this thread. This really should be a sticky for the Beginners's Corner.
I just started riding again (last 1991) and been hitting my local trails that has a bit of almost everything. The straight line and cornering video was very informative and useful for my type of riding.

Recently a couple of my neighbors bought new hardtails and one with a 29". I am having questions in my mind if the bike I have is adequate for my needs.

Do I really NEED to upgrade to a newer bike like a hardtail with disc brakes (post 2006)? The trails I am learning or working on are the easy sections of Towsley Canyon and Tapia Canyon in SoCal - which the neighbor (experienced rider) with the new 29'' also frequents. If I feel confident, I try the moderate sections. As far as I can see, the bike I ride is fine.

But as they say, "Ignorance is bliss." I have known from the 4x4 world that its always the driver not the truck.

No plans to be extreme but want to be competent to ride the "moderate" trails. I am currently riding a rigid frame 1989 Mongoose IBOC Comp with traditional cantilever brakes. I just started riding seriously (I consider myself a beginner.)

Thanks for any comments or info - Sorry for the hijack. I'm not able to start a thread until I hit 5 posts or greater.

Yaga - Would an upgrade be worth it, in short yes. Depending on your money situation I would opt for a hardtail. Also, go to your local bike shop (LBS) and try out bikes. 29er's might be for you, might not. It all depends on what you like. The reason I say get a hardtail is because you will learn more skills in the long run sense I take it your new and want to get into mtbing more. Sure you can get a full-suspension bike but this thread is about skills and becoming better at them. With that said get a hardtail. Before starting a thread use the search button as what bike should I get or what 29er should I get, and is this bike for me, as this has been asked so many times before.

These are great videos with true and consistent information. Even experienced riders can use a reminder on technique sometimes.

Yaga - I read on one forum/thread where a guy used the tennis racquet as the example of why a 29er is a good or bad choice, depending on your philisophy. He said that a 29er hardtail is good in that, like a larger faced tennis racquet, it can be more forgiving for bad lines on trails, while still letting you "feel" the trail. If you want a more plush ride, go with FS. I just liked that analogy. In my case, my budget is on the lower side so 29er hardtail made sense for me. Plus technical climbs can be easier because the big wheels roll right over roots and rocks that used to stop me in my tracks and keep me from cleaning certain hills.

New update

Decided to upload the whole video of the FB-AM-Skill video to Vimeo. Hopefully it stays there. Your welcome and happy you guys/gals are progressing with your own skills. Anyone is more then welcome to post other video's as long as they have to do with MTB tips or how to's.
- Hutch

Another video from another perspective. More to do with free ride if you want to call it that but it does have useful tips in it.
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